Tenth Report on Media Monitoring

Transcription

1 دټاکنو خپلواک کميسيون کميسيون مستقل انتخابات درسنيو کميسيون کميسيون رسانه ها Tenth Report on Media Monitoring 5 th -15 th September, 2010 Electoral Media Commission is established to supervise reporting and equitable release of the media during the electoral campaign under article 60 of electoral law and started its work. The commission divided all Medias into three categories in order to accomplish these goals as follow. - Picture Media: Television - Auditory Media: Radio - Print Media: News papers, magazines (weekly, monthly etc) HIGHLIGHTS This narrative report addresses qualitative data results from 5 September - 15 September. This report marks the final narrative report for the media monitoring of the 2010 parliamentary elections. Specifically, the report highlights the following: A. State Media Coverage B. Private Broadcast Media (Kabul-based) C. Provincial Media D. Print Media E. Political Advertisements F. Women s Coverage G. Public Awareness Programs I. State Media Coverage Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA TV) ended its free airtime program for candidates on Sept 14. The station provided Kabul candidates (males and females) free airtime to present their platforms to TV audiences. Each candidate was given 3 minutes, or 180 seconds, to speak. The candidate presentations were not moderated. Each candidate presents his or her recorded comments. RTA TV notified candidates of their opportunity to appear on the program on its nightly news bulletin. In total, 642 candidates were invited to appear on the free airtime program. During the reporting period from 5-15 September, 62 candidates were invited to appear on the program, while at least 51 candidates appeared on the program. 1

2 During the reporting period other coverage of the candidates included an appearance by Mohammad Daoud Sultanzoi (Ghazni) and Mohammad Ibrahim Qasemi (Kabul) on the program Da Darwazo Tarsha speaking about Afghan and Pakistani transit agreements. A separate episode of the program featured Kabul nominees Najla Enjila, Sayyed Daoud Hashimi and Malalai Ishaqzai speaking about election security. Meanwhile, Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi (Kabul) was featured in a special program on Sept. 7 speaking about the jihad and martyrs. Special coverage of of Ahmad Shah Masoud s martyrdom on Sept. 8 resulted in direct speech from Kabul nominees Sayyed Hussain Anwari, Anar Kali Onaryar, Fazlullah Mujaddedi and Mohammad Younus Qanuni. Coverage on RTA NATIONAL TV during the final days leading up to the election was concentrated on news reports and programs about election preparations, voter participation and security preparations. II. Private Broadcast Media (Kabul-based) TELEVISION STATIONS The final days prior to the Silence Period was dominated by advertising across most TV stations. Candidates who previously did not have ads on television aired adverts during this period. The main topics of discussion on nightly news bulletins and talk shows were the elections, including security, and the martyrdom of Ahmad Shah Masoud. The Eid holidays contributed to limited programming on the Kabul-based networks during the reporting period. During this period, Kabul nominees Mohammad Younus Qanuni and Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf were frequently featured with direct speech on programs and news bulletins on several stations related to the Ahmad Shah Masoud martyrdom anniversary conference. The following provides a summary of coverage trends by stations: 1. TOLO TV airs a special election related program Election 89. During the reporting period the program featured several nominees including: Jawan Sher Haidari, Abdul Qudus Qate (Balkh), Sayyed Abdul Habib Rahmani, Nima Soratgar, Sanam Tamken Ghairat, Noor Ahmad Chardiwal, Rabia Lame, Abdul Qadir Zazai Watandost, Nuria Babakarkhel, Mohammad Sulaiman Kakar, Qadria Yazdan Parast, Ghulam Reza Abbas Barati, Najla Enjila, Mohammad Akbar Omari, Hamida Amiri and Zarghuna Bakhshi. The satire Zangi Khatar featured Kabul nominees Shukria Barekzai, Mir Amanullah Guzar, Haji Sherin Agha Rahmani and Gisu Mohammadi Safi with direct speech, where they spoke about Parliament and gave their opinions of the Zangi Khatar program. During the reporting period the station s news bulletins featured Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi briefly speaking about plans by an American pastor to burn the Holy Quran. Also featured were Mohammad Younus Qanuni (Kabul) and Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf (Kabul) speaking about Ahmad Shah Masoud s martyrdom. 2. CHANNEL 1 TV first aired its new Election 1389 program on 17 August. The program is unique compared to other election programs on private television as it featured nominees answering questions from a studio audience. During the reporting period 27 candidates appeared including: Nangarhar nominees Dr. Khushal Quraishi, Atta Mohammad Nejat, Babrak Shinwari, Hashima Sharif, and Sayyed Bilal Ahmad Fatimi. Kabul nominees featured included: Haji Mohammad Akbar Darman, Jawad Niwush, Mohammad Rasul Barekzai, Mohammad Daoud Kalakani, Ismail Safdari, Sayyed Yaqub Hushmand Fararudi, Sayyed Alim Hashimi, Alhaj Sardar Mohamamd Waqebin, Ghulam Rabbani Rabbani, Shenkai Zahine Karokhel, Abdul Reza Rezaye, Sayyed Abdul Karim Hashemi, Ahmad Zaki Shah Agha, Anar Kali Onaryar, Dr. Ghulam Farooq Nejrabi, Esmat Qane, Abdul Wase Farman, Engineer Tughyan, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, Fahim Kohdamani, Mohammad Rafi and Rana Nuristanai. 2

3 During the reporting period the talk show Amaj featured Mohammad Harun Mir (Kabul) and Sardar Mohammad Rahman Oghli (Faryab), who spoke about the Taliban and Afghan relations with Pakistan. Among the candidates featured with direct speech in CHANNEL 1 TV news program were several Baghlan nominees who spoke about campaign challenges including Jamila Oriakhel, Mariam Daqiq and Mohammad Nasim Modabir. Also featured were Ahmad Sayyedi (Kabul) and Alhaj Mohammad Hassan Hesam (Kabul), speaking about potential voter fraud and irregularities. Also featured with direct speech were Kabul nominees Mohammad Younus Qanuni and Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf, speaking about Ahmad Shah Masoud s martyrdom. 3. ARIANA TV was providing free airtime to Kabul candidates similar to the RTA TV National format as part of its Election 89 program. During the reporting period, the program featured candidate presentations from several provincial nominees including: Haji Gul Aqa Rahimi (Parwan), Momina Sultani (Helmand), Amanullah (Nangarhar), Abdul Jalil Rahimi (Jowzjan), Zabehullah Bahar Qhazi (Laghman), Fatima Shahiq Wesal (Faryab), Ajmal Sohail (Laghman), Alhaj Mohammad Alim Aimaq (Baghlan), Sayyed Abdul Razaq Hashimi (Parwan), Haji Abdul Moin (Takhar), Rangina Kargar (Faryab), Election 89 also invited selected candidates to speak about the elections and current events topics. The following Kabul nominees appeared on the Election 89 program during the reporting period: Alhaj Mohammadullah Babrak, Mahmood Kalakani, Janan Musazai, Mohammad Nasir Fayaz, Bashir Ahmad Bezhan, Haji Shah Agha Sakhizada, Dr. Asgharkhel Mangal, Abdul Kabir Ranjbar and Abdul Wakil Azizi. In other programming, Mawlawi Habibullah Hesam (Kabul), Mohammad Hussain Jafari (Kabul) and Ahmad Ali Jibraili (Herat) were featured on the program Shahr Allah speaking about the Quran and Ramadan. The Studio 3 program featured Sayyed Ishaq Gailani (Paktika), speaking about issues of politics and government and corruption. ARIANA s news bulletins featured Balkh nominees Haji Mohamamd Abdo and Humair Akakhel speaking about the IEC and nominees in their province. Also featured was Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf (Kabul) related to his comments at the Ahmad Shah Masoud martyrdom event. Alhaj Bidar Zazai (Kabul) was featured in a report in which a citizen alleged that Mr. Zazai and his relatives assaulted him, lending to negative coverage of the nominee. Mr. Zazai was also featured with direct speech rejecting the allegations. Also featured was Hamida Amiri (Kabul) in a report in which she spoke about her campaign strategies. Khost nominee Noor Wali Yaqubi spoke about insecurity in his province, while Mohammad Younus Qanuni (Kabul) was featured speaking about concerns about election transparency. The station also featured Faryab nominees Asghar Shadab, Alhaj Mawlawi Asadullah Jamali and Qari Mohammad Naser speaking about polling station closures. 4. NOOR TV has featured a number of candidates on its various programs. During the reporting period a select number of candidates were invited to the Parliament 2 program which featured Kabul nominees Ahmad Sayyedi, Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi, Nazari Paryani, Mohammad Daoud Bayani, Sayyed Yaqub Hushmand Fararudi, Mohammad Alim Amini, Mohammad Harun Mir, Sayyed Isa Hussaini Mazari, Fazlullah Mujaddedi, Mawlawi Mohammad Mukhtar Muflih, Dr. Amin Alizai, Malalai Ishaqzai, Sayyed Mohammad Alim Hashimi, Najibullah Mujahid, Erfanullah Erfran, Musa Fariwar, Mawlawi Habibullah Hesam, Abdul Nasir Yaqubi, Sayyed Isa Hussaini Mazari, Mohammad Jafar Khoistani, Nazari Paryani, Liaqat Ali Amini, Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi, Gen. Sekandar Asghari, Mohammad Daoud Bayani, Fazil Sancharaki (Saripul), Abdul Hafiz Mansur, Sayyed Yaqub Hushmand Fararudi, Alhaj Khawaja Ghulam Jailani Shebel, Fahim Kohdamani, Ahmad Zaki Shah Agha, Mahmood Kalakani, Abdullah Kandahari, Fazlullah Mujaddedi, Sayyed Ahmad Sayyed, Sayyed Abdul Karim Hashimi, Saleh Mohammad Registani, Nadia Rasuli, Abdul Nasir Yaqubi and Najibullah Intezar Kohdamani. Other programming during the reporting period included Rawayat Mandegar which briefly featured Saleh Mohammad Registani (Kabul) and Dr. Mahdi (Kabul), who spoke about Ahmad Shah Massoud s life. 3

4 NOOR TV s news bulletins featured direct speech from Kabul nominees Mohammad Bashir Hatef and Hafizullah Barekzai, who spoke about the death of an RTA journalist. Also featured with the direct speech was Alhaj Wakil Mullah Tarakhel Mohammadi (Kuchi) who announced that he was innocent of all accusations related to the shooting of Kabul residents by his bodyguards. Other nominees who were featured with direct speech on issues of politics and government included Mohammad Harun Mir (Kabul). Also featured speaking about the Quran burning in America was Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi (Kabul), and Haji Mahdawi (Kabul) was featured in a story about a water project inauguration. 5. NEGAH TV continues to invite a limited number of candidates to its Roundtable program. During the reporting period the station featured Kabul nominees Qurban Ali Fasehi, Fazlullah Mujaddedi and Dr. Mohamamd Sayyed Niazi speaking about political parties and parliament. In a separate episode Kabul nominees Mohammad Amin Halemi and Fazlullah Mujaddedi spoke about campaign problems and the election organization. Mohammad Amin Halemi (Kabul) and Qurban Ali Fasehi (Kabul) appeared in another roundtable program with Kabul nominees Rahila Kawir, Dr. Zia Baturi and Khadem Hussain Karimi. NEGAH s news bulletins featured Balkhi nominees Haji Abdullah Mandozai and Haji Mohammad Abdo speaking about election insecurity and potential fraud. Also featured in news bulletins with direct speech were Kabul nominees Mohammad Younus Qanuni, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, Mohammad Amin Halemi and Ahmad Sayyedi. 6. SHAMSHAD TV provided a platform for candidates to come and speak about their campaign plans. Candidates appeared on the programs Tawda Bashuna and Election Election 1389 guests during the reporting period included Mohammad Younus Hotak, Mohammad Tahir Shoib, Alhaj Abdul Akbar Yousufzai, Noor Ahmad Chardiwal, Kamdar Hotak, Dilawar Totakhel (Paktia), Abdul Wali Baz, Dr. Murtaza Kalwan Basharmal, Haji Mohammad Nasir Ahmadzai, Esmat Qane, Haji Mohammad Naim, Mohammad Rasul Barekzai, Ahmad Shapur Ahmadi, Sayyed Esmatullah Wejdani, Muazamil Hotak, Daoud Shah Niazai (Kuchi), Haji Mir Mohammad Qaher Sadat, Mohammad Daoud Amiri Wardak, Sayyed Mohammad, Haji Noor Mohammad Obaidi, Dar Mohammad Murad, Wahidullah Ghazikhel, Mohammad Rasul, Khalid Farooqi (Paktika), Mohammad Bashir Hatef, Haji Rozodin, Haji Najibullah Kabuli, Mohammad Khan, Sayyed Bilal Ahmad Fatemi (Nangarhar), Mayen Gul (Paktia), Sina Rahmani, Kako Jan Niazai, Dr. Mohammad Yahya Weyar, Alhaj Faiz Mohammad Rawan, Shukria Barekzai, Fahim Kohdamani, Alhaj Lal Pacha Azmun (Nangarhar), Delawar Faizan (Logar), Dr. Esmatullah Sajad, Maria, Khoshal Quraishi (Nangarhar), Hafizullah Barekzai, Dr. Zabihullah Ahmadi (Wardak) and Fauzia Sadat Samkanai. During the reporting period the program Bela Bana featured a number of Kabul nominees including: Dr. Nematullah, Mohammad Ibrahim Qasemi, Alhaj Mohammad Hassan Hesam, Shenkai Zahine Karokhel, Fatima Naziri, Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, Fauzia Kofi, Mohammad Khan, Sayyed Daoud Hashimi, Malalai Ishaqzai and Haji Mohammad Akbar Stanekzai. The nominees spoke briefly on issues related to their campaigns and the election. SHAMSHAD s news bulletins featured a report about local endorsement for Haji Amir Khan Yaar (Nangarhar) and a number of other election-related news stories featured direct speech by Haji Noor Mohammad Obaidi (Kabul), Faridullah Hesam (Kunar), Abdul Hafiz Mansur (Kabul), Alhaj Wakil Mullah Tarakhel Mohammadi (Kuchi), Haji Gul Pacha Majidi (Paktia) and Alhaj Bidar Zazai (Kabul). Also featured were Kabul nominees Shukria Barekzai and Mohammad Khan speaking about security topics. 7. RAH FARDA TV is featuring a number of candidates primarily in the form of advertisements. The station is primarily promoting candidates affiliated with the Hizb Wahdat party. During the reporting period the station once again featured Ahmad Sayyedi (Kabul) in its Rahkar program where he spoke about the election commissions and related topics. 4

5 The Seyasat+4 program featured Musa Fariwar (Kabul) speaking about monarchy system. Nazari Paryani (Kabul) appeared on the Rozana program speaking about democratic institutions. Station owner Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq (Kabul) appeared in several news bulletins and in special programs, including an endorsement event in which Hussain Rahmati (Kabul) announced that he was withdrawing from the race in favor of Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq, who was also featured in three special programs speaking to potential voters urging them to vote for nominees who deserve their vote. RAH FARDA s news bulletins were dominated by Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq related to Eid congratulations, the martyrdom event of Ahmad Shah Massoud as well as voter endorsements. Also featured speaking on topics of security and government was Dr. Jafar Mahdawi (Kabul). 8. DAWAT TV is primarily airing religious programming. The station is owned by nominee Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf (Kabul), who gives religious sermons on the program. During the reporting period the station featured Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf and Mawlawi Habibullah Hesam (Kabul) speaking about Islam. 9. TAMADON TV has had limited election and candidate programming. During the reporting period the station featured Fazlullah Mujaddedi (Kabul) in its Bad Az Khabar program where he spoke about issues of politics and government. In a special election program Intekhab Shoma the station featured Sultan Ali Murtaza Nikzad, Mohammad Hussain Jafari, Fatima Nazari, Qurban Ali Erfani, Hayatullah Balaghi, Abdullah Afzali, Dr. Mohammad Waizi, Mohammd Musa Alemi Turkmani, Mina Khashy, Sayyed Isa Hussaini Mazari, Haji Abbas Hassanzada, Mohammad Alim Amini, Qurban Ali Fasehi, Mohammad Naser Mohaqiq, Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi, Ali Asghar Hakimi and Abdul Qayum Sajadi (Ghazni). During the reporting period, the station also featured Kabul nominees Mohammad Alim Amini, Yousuf Ali Zaki, Qurban Ali Erfani and Fazlullah Mujaddedi in the Saat Seyasi program where they spoke about issues related to parliament. The station aired endorsement announcements from the Shia Ulema for the following Kabul nominees: Qurban Ali Erfani, Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi, Dr. Sayyed Ali Kazemi, Haji Abbas Hassanzada, Abdullah Afzali, Sayyed Isa Hussaini Mazari, Dr. Mohammad Waizi, Qurban Ali Fasehi, Alhaj Mohammad Baqir Sheikhzada, Mohammad Alim Amini, Mohammad Musa Alemi Turkmani, Dr. Naser Mohammad, Mina Khashy, Wakil Fatima Nazari, Rubaba Parwani Darwish, Mohammad Arif Rahmani and Sayyed Hussain Anwari. TAMADON s news bulletins featured Kabul nominees Sayyed Isa Hussaini Mazari and Yousuf Ali Zaki with direct speech discussing the role of religious scholars in the election and Islam, respectively. 10. NOORIN TV is featuring candidates in its programs Rai and Salam Sar Zamin Man. During the reporting period Rai program guests included Kabul nominees Mohammad Alim Amini, Malalai Ishaqzai, Dr. Hashmat Hassan Rahguzar, Shahla Maihan Dost, Gisu Mohammadi Safi and Sayyed Yaqub Hushmand Fararudi. The controversial satire Talak featured commentary on several Kabul nominees during the reporting period. Talak made fun of the campaign slogan of Mohammad Ibrahim Rasuli; Sayyed Sufi Gardezi was accused of being a Punjabi spy; Farida Tarana was called a sazanda, which is an insulting term for a singer; Talak said that Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf should worry about mujahideen budgets ; Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq s campaign slogan was mocked, implying he does not respect justice and law; Sayyed Mohammad Gulabzoi was mocked for his mustache and accused of helping to perpetrate Communist crimes; and Talak questioned why Shukria Barekzai only wears her headscarf on some occasions. Moreover, in the program, it was mentioned that why Barekzai is wearing Chadari in parliament, but is event without scarf in other occasions and a picture of Barekzai was shown in which 5

6 she was without scarf with a foreigner. Additionally, it was ridiculously stated that if in the next parliament, Bezhan Qundozi becomes the speaker and Farida Taran becomes his first deputy and Zabihullah Jwanmard his second deputy and Ab Zamir Kabul becomes his secretary, what kind of parliament will it be? NOORIN s news program did not feature many candidates during the reporting period. Nominees who appeared included Alhaj Wakil Mullah Tarakhel Mohammadi (Kuchi) speaking about his innocence in the case related to the shooting of Kabul residents by his bodyguards; Dr. Sayyed Ali Kazemi (Kabul) was featured speaking about Ahmad Shah Massoud, while Ahmad Sayyedi (Kabul) spoke about fake voter registration cards. 11. AINA TV featured a few Kabul candidates in an election program including Leyaqat Ali Amini, Alhaj Mohammad Usman Najib and Ahmad Samir Mayel, who spoke about their campaigns and views on the election. The majority of candidate-related programming during the reporting period consisted of candidate advertising. AINA s news bulletins featured direct speech by Mohammad Younus Qanuni (Kabul) related to the Ahmad Shah Masoud and the election in separate stories. 13. AFGHAN TV s election program entitled Tahod 89 featured the following nominees: Esmat Qane, Shirullah Jabarkhel, Gen. Abdul Wahed Taqat, Mohamamd Ibrahim Bari, Dr. Ashgarkhel Mangal, Mohammad Harun Mir, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, Ahmad Samir Mayel, Janan Musazai, Abdul Khalil Abasi, Alhaj Sardar Mohammad Waqebin and Sayyed Bilal Ahmad Fatimi (Nangarhar). The nominees spoke about their plans, if elected, and their views on the upcoming election. The station s Hushdar program featured Kabul nominees Bashir Ahmad Bezhan, Malalai Ishaqzai, Mohammad Daoud Kalakani, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, Najibullah Intezar Kohdamani and Mohammad Hakim Torsan discussing various issues of security and politics and government. Meanwhile, the Mosalas Seyas program featured Sayyed Ishaq Gailani (Paktika), Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi, Mohammad Daoud Sultanzoi (Ghazni), Bashir Ahmad Bezhan and Mohammad Yasin Habib discussing counternarcotics and the drug trade. AFGHAN s news bulletins featured direct speech by Kabul nominees Bashir Ahmad Bezhan, Mir Ahmad Joyenda, Fazlullah Mujaddedi, Mohammad Younus Qanuni, Abdul Khalil Abasi, Gen. Abdul Wahed Taqat, Janan Musazai, Dr. Mohammad Sayyed Niazi and Ahmad Sayyedi speaking on a variety of issues related to politics and government, social issues and security. The station also featured Balkh nominees Haji Mohammad Abdo, Alhaj Mama Ibrahim and Humaira Akakhel in a story about corruption at the local election commission. RADIO STATIONS 1. ARMAN FM: Candidate coverage on ARMAN was limited to news reports on the attack of the campaign of Mohammad Arif Rahmani (Ghazni). During the reporting period adverts for nominee Sanam Tamkin Ghairat (Kabul) also aired. There has been very limited election or candidate coverage on this station. 2. ARIANA FM: The radio station featured Alhaj Dr. Najibullah Babakarkhel (Kabul) and Dr. Esmatullah Sajad (Kabul) in its Tanadi program where they spoke about why they re running for office and their views on parliament. The station featured direct speech from Kabul nominees Mohammad Younus Qanuni and Saleh Mohammad Registani in its Salam Sobh Bakhair program discussing Ahmad Shah Massoud. Nominees Hamida Amiri (Kabul), Mamur Abdul Jabar Shilgari (Ghazni) and Shenkai Zahine Karokhel (Kabul) were featured in news programs discussing the election. 3. SALAM WATANDAR SERVICE has been featuring a number of candidates in its Ba Khabar and other programs. Candidates who appeared on a roundtable program with direct speech during the reporting period 6

7 included Kabul nominees Musa Fariwar, Rahila Kawir, Shakila Navid, Sher Wali Wardak and Fahim Kohdamani. The nominees discussed their concerns about the election and why they re running for parliament. Other nominees featured included Bashir Ahmad Bezhan, Munisa Sherzada Hassan and Farida Tarana, who also spoke about their campaign goals and messages to voters. The Ba Khabar program featured more than 20 candidates from across the country including Parwan nominees Zainab Haibat, Samea Azizi Sadat, Mawlawi Najibullah Ruhani and Abdul Khalil Payani; Laghman nominee Mohammad Daoud Niazai; Faryab nominee Sardar Mohammad Rahman Oghli; Ghazni nominee Shah Gul Rezaye; Samangan candidate Alhaj Ahmad Khan Samangani, Logar nominee Zohra Ahmadzai; Maidan Wardak nominee Haji Abdul Ahad Durrani; Kandahar nominees Hujiani Nafisa Tokhi, Simin Kala Siri and Abdul Rahim Ayubi; Balkh nominees Haji Mohammad Abdo, Humair Akakhel, Zibunesa and Haji Abdullah Mandozai; Herat nominee Mohammad Rafi Malikzai; Paktika nominee Khalid Farooqi, Takhar nominee Gul Agha Pirzada and Kunduz candidate Alhaj Asadullah Omarkhel. Kabul nominees featured included Ramazan Bashardost, Khalil Roman, Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, Mohammad Younus Qanuni, Esmat Qane, Qesmat Khan, Gen. Abdul Wahed Taqat, Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi and Sona Sahar. The nominees featured spoke about campaign challenges, election concerns and their views on the campaign and electoral processes. In a program entitled Iqtesad Dar Afghanistan Kabul nominees Haji Hamid, Nasrin Hamid and Nazir Ziaee were featured talking about their campaign expenditures. 4. KILLID FM (KABUL) during the reporting period featured Mir Ahmad Joyenda (Kabul) speaking about election concerns in its Chahr Pahloy Khabar program. He was also featured in the program Parliament Ayenda where he also spoke about the election. Gulmakai Siawash (Balkh) was also featured on Parliament Ayenda encouraging voters to select candidates based on their backgrounds. Meanwhile, Shahla Atta (Kabul) was featured in KILLID s news magazine program with direct speech speaking about corruption. The program Didar Amiq featured Mohammad Daoud Sultanzoi (Ghazni) speaking about road reconstruction while Qazi Nazir Ahmad Hanafi (Herat) and Ahmad Sayyedi (Kabul) spoke about a dam reconstruction opposed by the Iranian government. The station also broadcast adverts for Kabul nominees Ramazan Bashardost and Dr. Amin Alizai. 5. NOORIN FM had limited candidate coverage during the reporting period. The station featured Nasto Naderi (Kabul), who is a reporter for NOORIN TV. He spoke about media censorship and Ahmad Shah Massoud. A news story featured Mohammad Younus Qanuni (Kabul) speaking about Ahmad Shah Massoud. 6. NAWA FM (KABUL) re-broadcast a story in which a local Zabul IEC official criticized Haji Mohammad Hashim Durrani (Zabul), claiming that he abuses his government position for his campaign, lending to negative coverage of this nominee. A news bulletin featured Mohammad Daoud (Laghman) speaking about an attack on one of his campaign workers. The station also aired adverts for Alhaj Asadullah Sherzad (Farah). 7. RAH FARDA FM predominantly featured station owner Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq (Kabul) in its news and other programs. Most of those reports were related to Eid messages, public endorsements and messages encouraging voters to elect candidates who will represent them. The station also aired adverts for Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq (Kabul). Also featured in news stories was Hussain Rahmati (Kabul) in stories related to him stepping down in favor of Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq. Also featured was Mohammad Qasim Wahidi (Kabul), encouraging voters to vote for competent candidates. The station also reported on a conflict between Baghlan nominees Shukria Isakhel and Dr. Narmgoy. 8. DAWAT FM featured station owner Abdul Rasul Sayyaf (Kabul) speaking about Eid and other religious topics. There was no other relevant candidate or election coverage. III. Provincial Media Candidate coverage on most provincial television and radio stations increased ahead of the Silence 7

8 Period and Election Day. The following provides a summary of coverage trends by station: 1. SAQI TV (HERAT PROVINCE) SAQI TV stopped broadcasting on Sept. 15. Prior to this date the station regularly featured Herat nominees by providing free airtime to candidates in its program Farhange Entekhabat. The program allowed nominees to interact with callers and present their programs. During the reporting period several candidates were featured in this program including: Haji Abdul Rahman Mawlawizada, Aziza Mahaki, Hajia Shamayel Azizi, Noor Ahmad Barzin Khatibi, Ahmad Wahid Tahiri and Mohammad Naim Ghayur. Two other candidates were invited, Nahid Ahmadi Farid and Mirwais Ayubi, but did not appear on the program. The SAQI TV program host stated that these two candidates should have attended the program, adding that they are not honest with the public, which has the right to know about the nominees plans and programs. This resulted in negative coverage of these two candidates. 2. SIMA GHORYAN (HERAT PROVINCE) This station featured nominees in its program Mosahabe Rayagan. During the reporting period, coverage was predominantly related to advertisements for a number of nominees including: Haji Nisar Ahmad Faizi Ghoryani, Haji Zalmai Ishaqzai, Haji Ghulam Farooq Nazari, Shahnaz Hemati, Ahmad Behzad, Alhaj Munawar Shah Bahaduri, Haji Mohammad Daoud Noorzaye, Noorullah Rashid Taheri, Sayyed Ibrahim Emad, Malim Hafizullah, Ahmad Farhad Majidi, Alhaj Dr. Ghulam Ahmad Danish, and Ghulam Faruq Majruh. Other relevant coverage during the reporting period was related to candidate advertisements. 3. KUNDUZ PROVINCE - ZOHRA FM Coverage on ZOHRA FM from September was primarily in the form of adverts for Fereshta Hashimzada, Qari Rahmatullah, Dr. Ghulam Habib, Zarghuna Hassan, Fatima Hofyani, Ajmal Khan Hotak, Anqa Amin, Matiullah Dehati, Fatima Aziz and Fahima Farhad. 4. JOWZJAN PROVINCE - ARMAGHAN FM Coverage on ARMAGHAN FM during the reporting period included an interview with Abdul Satar Darzabi. He spoke about his background and his goals if elected. Other candidate coverage was limited to advertisements for the following nominees: Fahima Sadat, Sayera Shakib Sadat, Asifa Saba, Mohammad Akram Yawar, Roz Mohammad Noor, Mohammad Nazar, Enayatullah Babur Ferahmand, Kausar Baburi, Ghulam Nabi, Masuda Omari, Haji Mohammad Makhi Bai, Abdul Jabar Usmani, Mohammad Omar and Shah Mahmood Paiwastun. 5. BADAKHSHAN PROVINCE - AMO FM Coverage during the reporting period was primarily of candidate advertisements. 6. PANJSHIR PROVINCE - KHORASAN FM During the reporting period the station re-featured Qazi Rahila Salim in an election program where she talked about why she s running for parliament. Other nominees featured on the station s parliamentary election program included Dr. Zahir Sadat and Ghulam Rasul Farahin. Advertising for nominees Qazi Rahila Salim and Dr. Zahir Sadat were also broadcast. News coverage featured Kabul nominees Mohammad Younus Qanuni and Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf with direct speech discussing the jihad and Ahmad Shah Masoud. 7. KHOST - DA SOLI PAIGHAM During the reporting period coverage of the candidates on DA SOLI PAIGHAM FM was primarily related to advertising and a few news items. Following the death of Khost nominee Mawlaw Sayyedullah Sayyed, local residents announced their endorsement of Haji Ajab Noor Mangal. Alhaj Mujiburahman Salimzoi Zadran was featured with direct speech in a news story related to his campaign. Also reported was a campaign event by Hamid Gul Mangal. Advertising was aired for the following nominees: Malalai Wali, Haji Ajab Noor Mangal, Alhaj Mujiburahman Salimzoi Zadran, Alhaj Daoud Khan Shahidzoi, Akhter Jan Khapalwak Mangal, Haji Mohamamd Karim Khan Qazizada, Liaqatullah Babakerkhel, Alhaj Dr. Mirbat Khan Mangal, Hamid Gul Mangal, Nadia Bawari, Omar, Sahira Sharif, Alhaj Mawlawi Sardar Zadran, Raz Khan and Rogul Zadran, 8

9 Feda Mohammad. 8. NANGARHAR PROVINCE - SHARQ FM SHARQ FM in Jalalabad city continued its extensive coverage of the candidates during the reporting period. The station launched an election program Takaniz Dorshal which featured a number of candidates speaking about why they re running and their plans, if elected. The following nominees appeared: Khoshal Quraishi, Mujibul Rahman Loqmani, Mawlawi Rahim Gul Tawhidyar, Mawlawi Abdul Aziz Khair Khwa, Sayyed Abdul Ghafar Pacha, Maulana Jalaluddin Shinwari, Zorawar Mofaker, Haji Mohammad Ajmal Omar, Dr. Sayyed Rahim Arab and Abdullah Rawan Nomyalai. Other coverage during this period was related to candidate advertisements. 9. PAKTIKA - PASHTUN GHAG FM Candidate coverage on this station was limited to advertisements during the reporting period. 10. BALKH - NAWA FM There was no relevant candidate coverage on NAWA FM BALKH. IV. Print Media NEWSPAPERS 1. During the reporting period, OUTLOOK newspaper, an English-language paper published a few candidate-related articles, including a story about vandalism of nominees posters and billboards that quoted Mohammad Zahir Malik Baba (Nangarhar) and mentioned Abida Malakzai (Nangarhar). The paper also published a story about a dispute between Baghlan nominees Shukria Isakhel and Dr. Narmgoy wherein she accuses him of intimidation, lending to negative coverage of Dr. Narmgoy. Also featured in a story about campaign strategies were Kabul nominees Ramazan Bashardost, Janan Musazai, Saleh Mohammad Registani and Gen. Nazifa Zaki. 2. SOROSH MELAT newspaper continued its positive coverage of Dr. Jafar Mahdawi (Kabul). During the reporting period, endorsements, articles and interviews were published about the nominee praising his qualifications as a candidate. Combined with adverts, Mr. Mahdawi was the most frequently featured candidate in that newspaper. In other candidate coverage nominees Fazlullah Mujaddedi (Kabul), Fauzia Gailani (Herat) and Abdul Wahed Khursani (Takhar) were mentioned. 3. RAH NEJAT coverage during the reporting period included endorsement announcement from several sources for the following Kabul nominees: Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi, Qurban Ali Erfani, Sultan Ali Murtaza Nikzad, Sayyed Hussain Anwari, Dr. Sayyed Ali Kazemi, Shefaye, Mohamamd Hussain Jafari, Haji Abbas Hassanzada, Hayatullah Balaghi, Abdullah Afzali, Sayyed Isa Hussein Jafari, Mohamamd Alim Amini, Mohammad Musa Alemi Turkmani, Mohammad Nasir Mohaqiq, Kobra Mustafawi, Fatima Nazari, Mina Khashy, Rubaba Parwani Darwish, Yousuf Ali Zaki, Rahila Kawir, Dr. Jafar Mahdawi, Mohammad Baqir, Haji Najibullah Maqsudi, Kazim Yazdani, Tahir Zahidi, Dr. Abdul Haq, Alhaj Ishaq Ali Jamal and Abdul Hamid Islampur. Sayyed Hussain Alemi Balkhi (Kabul) was the most frequently featured nominee in RAH NEJAT. The paper publishes a regular column related to his analysis of the Afghan Constitution. He is also the most frequently featured nominee in adverts. During the reporting period the newspaper also featured a column by Abdullah Afzali (Kabul) where he described the ideal parliamentary candidate. Also featured in news reports were Haji Mir Wali (Helmand) and Ahmad Sayyedi (Kabul) discussing peace and security issues SOBH for the first time featured several interviews with nominees who discussed why they re running for parliament. Nominees featured included: Mohammad Sayyed Nayazi, Shah Gul Rezaye (Ghazni), Janan Musazai (Kabul), Anar Kali Onaryar (Kabul), Mohammad Daoud Sultanzoi (Ghazni), Rubina Jalali, Ali Hussain Nadem, Mir Ahmad Joyenda and Abbas Nawyan. Also featured with direct speech during the reporting period were Mohammad Younus Qanuni, discussing the election. Mohammad Arif Rahmani (Ghazni) was also mentioned in a report about surviving an attack. 9

10 5. ERADA featured several columns by Nabi Haikal, wherein he discussed the election and wrote about his background and why he s running for parliament. The paper also featured Alhaj Dr. Mohammad Ghani Bahadori (Ghazni) in a report about election insecurity and Sardar Mohammad Rahman Oghli (Faryab) about other security issues. 6. BAKHTAR quoted Khalid Pashtun (Kandahar) in a report about Ministry of Interior Affairs recruitment. In a separate story Mir Ahmad Joyenda (Kabul) was quoted about the peace jirga, while Rubina Jalali (Kabul) was quoted calling for greater attention to sports in the country. 7. MANDEGAR published several columns by Nazari Paryani (Kabul) during the reporting period in which he discussed why he s running for parliament. The paper quoted Ahmad Behzad (Herat) in a story about polling station closures, as well as Mohammad Daoud Sultanzoi (Ghazni) and Moin Marastial (Kunduz) about election-related security. Other relevant candidate coverage was related to advertising. 8. ARMAN MILLIE coverage during the reporting period featured a letter by Ahmad Sayyedi (Kabul) to the IEC about collecting fake voter cards; he was also featured in a separate election report discussing fraud and in an endorsement. Also featured in the paper during the reporting period were Mohammad Younus Qanuni (Kabul) related to a report about the Ahmad Shah Massoud conference, as well as Abdul Rabb Rasul Sayyaf (Kabul), who praised the mujahideen and discussed the jihad. The paper also published a column by Abdul Wahed Khurasani (Takhar) in which he asked the government and NATO to form a commission to investigate the attack on his campaign team. 9. AFGHANISTAN DAILY featured a column by Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq (Kabul) denouncing the attack on Shies in Quetta, Pakistan. The paper featured Balkh nominees Haji Mohammad Abdo, Humaira Akakhel and Abdullah Mandozai in an election-related report. The paper also featured Hamid Khan Momayiz (Kabul) in a story about vandalism against candidate billboards. Also featured in a story about campaign strategies were Kabul nominees Ramazan Bashardost, Janan Musazai, Saleh Mohammad Registani and Gen. Nazifa Zaki. The paper also mentioned Noorulhaq Ulumi (Kandahar) in an electionrelated story. 10. CHERAGH mentioned Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq (Kabul) and Haji Mohammad Musa Hotak (Wardak) in a story about the peace jirga. WEEKLIES During the reporting period PAYAM MUJAHID WEEKLY, IQTEDAR MILLIE, MUJAHID and AGAH were not published due to the Eid holidays and Silence Period. V. Political Advertisements Candidate advertisements reached their peak during the reporting period, especially in the final few days leading up to the Silence Period, in which a media blackout was imposed on candidate coverage, including advertisements. All Kabul-based television stations with the exception of RTA NATIONAL TV and DAWAT TV (which do not air adverts) had significantly more advertising on air during the reporting period. In many cases, nominees who previously did not have ads on television aired adverts during the final 10 days before the Silence Period. The stations with the highest amount of advertising during the reporting period were TOLO TV, SHAMSHAD TV and NOOR TV. By comparison, AFGHAN TV had relatively few advertisements. Among the radio stations, SALAM WATANDAR SERVICE aired the most adverts. Candidate advertising on Kabul-based radios was limited during the campaign period. In the provinces advertising on local radio also increased significant during the last days of the campaign period, particularly on SHARQ FM (NANGARHAR) and DA SOLI PAIGHAM (KHOST). 10

11 VI. Women s Coverage Coverage of the women running for parliament was generally limited across television, print and radio, including news and non-news programming. Some media outlets have given a platform for women candidates to speak about campaign challenges and concerns in the news bulletins and as segments in talk shows or candidate presentations. During the reporting period CHANNEL 1 TV featured Kabul nominees Fariba Charkhi, Torpekai Zia and Qadria Yazdan Parast speaking about threats and challenges facing female candidates, including vandalism of their campaign billboards and posters. ARIANA TV featured Torpekai Zia and Shenkai Zahine Karokhel (Kabul) in a news report in which they said that women face more challenges and the government ignores their legal and political rights. SALAM WATANDAR SERVICE aired a brief but interesting story in its Hawa program featuring Nafisa Seli Wardak (Kabul), Laila Barekzai (Helmand) and Shahla Rashid (Kabul) discussing female nominees who used make-up and fashion to attract potential voters via their campaign billboards and literature. OUTLOOK newspaper published a story about intimidation and threats facing Parwan nominees Zainab Haibat, Samia Azizi Sadat and Shafiq Noori. BAKHTAR quoted Masuma Mohammadi (Kabul) discussing female candidates, stating that some voters prefer women in parliament. In the same article Fatima Jawadi (Balkh) spoke about security challenges, while Farida Tarana (Kabul) was pictured as part of the story. VII. Public Awareness Programs In general many stations ran news stories about the upcoming election and stories featuring nominees concerns about election security and potential fraud. Additionally, news bulletins across the electronic media focused its stories on election security and election preparedness at polling sites and similar stories about police and military actions in advance of the election. There was an increase in the number of commercials by the Independent Election Commission and the Afghan National Security Forces about voting and election security as well as news stories about election preparations and security. Most public awareness programs about electoral participation were broadcast on Election Day, Sept. 18; though some stations featured vox pops, interviews and guest speakers between September, wherein guests talked about the importance of voter participation. Some stations like RTA TV ran several such programs throughout the day between September encouraging voter participation. TAMADON TV, for example, aired messages by the Shia Ulema affiliated with the station encouraging people to vote. RAH FARDA TV and FM also featured stories in which the political party associated with the station encouraged voter participation. 11